Why do we have to go in every 2 weeks? It's not like they do anything?

Question

When we hit our 30th week of pregnancy, why do we have to go in every 2 weeks? It seems like such a waste of time. I went today for my appointment and they took my blood pressure, asked how I was feeling and I was out of there. If there were a problem I needed to discuss w/ them, I'd just call. And we know what signs to look out for if something is going wrong... So why drag myself in twice as much now if we do twice as much less as we used to in our appointments???

Answer 1

That's a real good question..I know the only reason I've been having to go every 2 weeks is because they considered me high risk and have done 5 ultrasounds to check on my fluid levels...Also my baby is breach and if she doesn't turn in 4 weeks we might have a problem!! But now that they know my fluid levels are where they need to be I dont know why I still have to go in every two weeks...beats me!!

Answer 2

It's very important that you go more often as your pregnancy nears the finish line. The doctor can tell a lot by looking at you. Your blood pressure is very important to both your health and the baby's. The doctor will note any unusual signs that you might dismiss as "normal." Just be glad you're getting such good care even when you don't feel like going.

Answer 3

They need to keep an eye on your BP as it can increase very quickly at this point especially in a first pregnancy. Wouldn't you rather keep an eye on things and make sure everything is ok than not bother and something go wrong?

In my 1st pregnancy I as hospitalized due to high blood pressure at week 30 and week 39. It is simply a precaution and to make sure the baby is still alright.

Be positive it will all be over soon :) At week 37 you have to go in once a week after and that it to see if there are any signs of early labour

All the best :)

Answer 4

Did your doctor not do a urine test? My doctor always checks my urine for protein. There are a lot of things that can develop suddenly during the last few months of pregnancy like high blood pressure, diabetes and many other things. Also, they monitor your weight in order to gauge how baby is gaining weight.

Also, they check the baby's heart rate. Extreme changes in heart rate could be an indication that there's something wrong.

Answer 5

They want to check for pre-eclampsia and other problems that could be occurring in later pregnancy. High blood pressure and protein in your urine are typically things that you can't check at home, so the office is the best place to get that done.

If you really do feel as though you know what to look for and you don't want to go in for as many appointments, just tell your midwife/OB this. Expect to hear a list of reasons why you should keep coming in so often and be ready to back yourself up. You may find that you do want to go in as often or you may find that you really don't need to because of your health and knowledge. It really is up to you, just like in birth. It's your body, your baby, your birth.

Maybe you can set up a phone-appointment with your provider during which you just talk on the phone and let him/her know how you're doing.

Answer 6

It takes me an hour to get to the hospital and I am 30 weeks too. It is kinda a pain in the butt but its good to make sure that everything is ok. I thought about that too but I love to hear my babies heart beat each appointment. It reasurring.

Answer 7

Monitor the babies growth, make sure you aren't developing preclampsia (most women can't take their own blood pressure at home), make sure your water isn't leaking, and here shortly, to see if you are dialating. Hang in there, here shortly you will be going EVERY WEEK.

Answer 8

to make sure your baby is growing normally and that you are ok in your pregnancy,may be boring but its good tthat they do it considering all the complications that can happen in pregnancy

Answer 9

Don't you want to make sure everything is going ok? I think that is the main reason you go so often!!